is butalbital a controlled substance?

[confused]

I had brain surgery in 1990 for a cerebral aneurysm. I've been being prescribed Fioricet since then, as I have bad reactions to aspirin, n-saids, SSRI'S, the newer anti-depressants, most recently Depakote, and the codeine family. Fioricet is the only thing that keeps me from getting what I call my "Killer headaches from hell!" My doc said he won't give me anymore Fioricet because it's very addicting and you're supposed to take only 2 per day. I searched PlanetRx and it says Fioricet is not a controlled substance and that the maximum dosage recommendation is 6 tablets per day. Yet, because of anxiety and depression, he has been dishing out first Xanax, (but it made my headaches worse) then Valium like they were candy! I checked with PlanetRx and both benzodiazepines are controlled substances and highly addictive. I realize that the Butalbital in Fioricet is also addictive--if this is true, then why isn't it a controlled substance? Also, after taking 4-6 tablets per day for the past 10 years, why can I go for days without it and not have severe withdrawal reactions? I'd appreciate any information you can give me, as I can't seem to find out much on the web. Thank you.

[vicki595]

DJ   This post is 10 years old but your info is great!

[fallon27]

My doctor gave me Fioricet for my headaches last week and I am 6 months pregnant and he says it is fine to take while I am pregnant because regular over the counter pain meds was not helping but I am some what afraid to continue using it from what I read on this site I dont want to become addicted or my baby girl be born addicted to it, but it really does work but it kinda makes me feel high because he told me to take 2 every 4 hours if needed but no more than 6 in one day, would any of you guys just stop taking it and suffer the headaches, or just take one at a time thanks everyone. Fallon

[vicki595]

I'd only take one at a time and discuss it with your doctor at the next visit. That's just me.
If the doctor prescribed it we need to trust that. As long as you don't take it every single day and only when needed,I think you'll be fine. It's when you take it every day just for the fun and love of it that problems arise. Again though,chat with your OB about it so he can reassure you!

Good luck with your baby girl!!

[my_mayberry]

yeah, talk to your doctor. i just wouldn't like the idea of taking it while pregnant, though.

link:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/151758-the-effects-of-barbiturates-on-the-fetus-in-pregnancy/

there are more sources for information about barbiturates during pregnancy. if i were you, i would not take it no matter what the doc is telling you. i ordinarily would never say that, but the information just doesn't support it. ask about excedrin instead or aspirin free excedrin. whichever...but barbs during pregnancy seems to be a bad idea. and yes, taking them daily can result in the baby being born addicted.

[my_mayberry]

benzodiazepines are typically thought to be ok during pregnancy...perhaps your doctor is assuming that barbiturates will be as well...however, the two drug classes are not the same. if you go along with what your doctor says, at least educate yourself on the possible outcome. simply type "barbiturate use during pregnancy" into any search engine and read through the sites that pop up...then decide.

[vicki595]

Matt--   I was thinking the doctor here probably feels the prn use is fine being that we're not talking about a fetus anymore. At 6 months,that's a baby!

I've read (it's been awhile) that Valium was tetrogenic to a developing fetus; first trimester.

Fallon--Give the doctor a call tomorrow to put your mind at ease and/or discuss another med for the headaches.